Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse center Dajuan Coleman did not play in the second half of the Orange men's 78-62 win over Villanova in the Carrier Dome.

The 6-foot-9 big man played just six minutes of the entire game.

"His knee's been bothering him a little bit," SU coach Jim Boeheim said. "I didn't want to push it. And they're so small and quick, two big guys isn't going to help against them. That's all it was."

Coleman explained later that he banged the outside of his knee in a Syracuse practice about two weeks ago and has sought treatment ever since. Coleman needed surgery on that same left knee last season to correct a problem with his meniscus. But the SU sophomore said this latest issue does not involve the repaired meniscus.

"I banged it on the outside. Same knee, my left leg," he said. "I was setting a screen in practice. And basically, I had some pain and it swelled up a little bit."

Coleman said he stretched the knee before the game and it felt loose and bearable in the first half. But once he sits, he said, stiffness sets in. He continues to get treatment each day to target the trouble.

"I'm not worried," he said. "I'm just taking it day by day. Hopefully, it should be good."

From his spot on the SU bench Saturday afternoon, Coleman became the Dome's largest cheerleader, often springing from the bench to cheer a particular play of impact.

"It's just bringing that positive energy from the bench, cheering my team on, getting the crowd going," Coleman said.